Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
MasterCraft Maristar 230 VRS 2005 vs MasterCraft PS197 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The MasterCraft Maristar 230 VRS 2005 vs MasterCraft PS197 2013 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — MasterCraft Maristar 230 VRS 2005 at 22,0 ft versus MasterCraft PS197 2013 at 19,7 ft. At 33 lbs and 33 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The MasterCraft Maristar 230 VRS 2005 is rated for 12 passengers, while the MasterCraft PS197 2013 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the MasterCraft Maristar 230 VRS 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the MasterCraft Maristar 230 VRS 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The MasterCraft PS197 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeMasterCraft
MakeMasterCraft
ModelMaristar 230 VRS
ModelPS197
Model Year2005
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Depth - DetailTransom: 27.5 in. (.70 m) Amidship: 26.5 in. (.67 m)
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Centimeters71.12
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Inches27.5
Depth - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail22.5 in. (.57 m)
Draft [max] - Detail22 in. (0.56 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.58
Draft [max] - Meters0.56
Draft [max] - Inches22.5
Draft [max] - Inches22
Weight - Detail3,300 lbs. (1,496.88 kg)
Weight - Detail3,300 lbs. (1,497 kg)
Weight - kg1496.85
Weight - kg1496.85
Weight - lbs.33
Weight - lbs.33
Width [transom] - DetailWidth amidship: 98 in. (2.49 m)
Width [transom] - Detail91 in. (2.3 m) amidship
Length - Meters6.91
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet22
Length - Feet19.67
Length - Inches8
Length - Inchesnot available
Length [over all with swim platform]21 ft. (6.53 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length overall - Detail22 ft. 8 in. (6.91 m)
Length overall - Detail19 ft. 8 in. (5.99 m)
Length overall - Meters6.91
Length overall - Meters5.99
Length overall - Inches272
Length overall - Inches236
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Detail83 in. (2.1 m) mini tower 95 in. (2.4 m) standard tower to lowest point on keel
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters2.41
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches95
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail61 gal. (230.89 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail29 gal. (109 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters230.91
Fuel tank capacity - Liters109.78
Fuel tank capacity - Gal61
Fuel tank capacity - Gal29
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Engine makenot available
Engine makeIlmor
Engine modelnot available
Engine modelSee Options
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,840 lbs (835 kg)
Maximum capacity1,087 lbs. (493 kg)
Maximum people12
Maximum people7
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all24 ft. 7 in. (7.49 m) W/Pivot Tongue Folded: 23 ft. (7.01 m)
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Width99 in. (2.51 m)
Trailer - Widthnot available
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee